Renault Clio review

Now in its fourth generation, the Renault Clio is a safe and stylish small hatchback

The Clio is one of Renault's smallest cars, but it's a huge deal in the UK, having always sold in big numbers here.

This latest version is the most striking, fuel-efficient and upmarket Clio yet. And it earned a five-star crash test rating, making it one of the safest cars of its kind.

Space 7/10

Roomy enough to seat four; in-car storage is limited

You can have the more practical HondaJazz for the same sort of money. However, the Clio is still spacious enough to let an average-sized adult sit behind a six-foot driver.

Every version has rear doors, so it's easy to get in and out of the back of the car, too. And the boot is about the same size as a FordFiesta’s, meaning it can take most baby buggies.

There are a few storage cubbies for your odds and ends between the front seats, but the glovebox is tiny.

Comfort 7/10

A bit unsettled at times, but quieter than most small cars

The seats in the Clio are quite soft (unless you go for a GT or Renaultsport model), which means they feel very comfortable at first, but aren’t especially supportive on longer journeys.

You can also feel the car shimmying around beneath you on bumpy or patched-up road surfaces, but the ride is never harsh.

The Clio is one of the quietest small hatchbacks around, with the 1.5-litre diesel engine particularly impressive.

Book a free Renault Clio home test drive

Dashboard layout 7/10

Controls are more user-friendly in pricier versions

Cheaper versions of the Clio have a rather fiddly stereo, but Dynamique models and above swap this for a touchscreen control system that’s easier to use.

Its menus are logically laid out and the software responds quickly. The only thing that lets it down is the way some of the onscreen buttons are positioned closely together, because this can makes it tricky to press the one you want while driving.

At least the ventilation controls are a doddle to use, whichever version of the Clio you choose.

The dashboard looks smart, but you don’t get the classy, soft-touch plastics that you do in aVWPolo.

Easy to drive 7/10

Only let down by restricted over-the-shoulder view

The Clio’s steering is effortlessly light in town, and it’s an easy car to drive smoothly in stop-start traffic because the pedals feel precise.

Unfortunately, manoeuvres such as changing lanes and reverse parking are harder than they should be, due to sizeable over-the-shoulder blind spots.

The cheapest engine is a 1.2-litre petrol that feels rather weedy. But the turbocharged 0.9-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel are both strong enough to haul the Clio up motorway inclines without you having to select a lower gear to help.

An automatic gearbox is standard with the more powerful petrol engines and an option on the diesel.

Fun to drive 8/10

Some rivals handle better, but it’s still enjoyable to drive

You’ll have more fun in a Ford Fiesta or a Mini, but the Clio still handles in a secure and predictable manner.

It doesn’t lean over dramatically when you ask it to change direction, and the steering guides you accurately enough at all times.

There’s also a high performance, Renaultsport version that feels sharp and extremely grippy on winding roads. Unfortunately, this is undermined by its standard automatic gearbox, which is rather slow to change gear in most modes, even when you take manual control using the steering column-mounted paddles.

Only the Race mode makes gearshifts feel properly quick. Unfortunately, this also disables the stability control system that is designed to help the driver regain control if the car goes into a skid.

Reliability 8/10

Warranty and breakdown cover last for four years

Renault doesn’t have a particularly good record in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey, finishing 19th out of 27 manufacturers in 2013, but the latest Clio was too new to be included.

It does come with the reassurance of a four-year, 100,000-mile warranty, whereas Ford and Volkswagen provide only three years or 60,000 miles of cover.

Renault also provides four years of UK roadside assistance and three years of Europe-wide assistance.

Fuel economy 9/10

Very efficient if you choose the right engine

The two 1.2-litre petrol engines are a little thirsty, but the 0.9-litre turbo petrol averages more than 60mpg in official Government tests, while the 1.5-litre diesel has an official average of almost 90mpg if you choose the Eco variant.

These figures are comparable with those of the most efficient small hatchbacks, and while you’ll struggle to match them in the real world, the Clio is still a frugal choice. Just bear in mind that diesel versions cost more to buy, so you’ll have to cover a lot of miles before you see any savings.

Affordability 8/10

Attractively priced and running costs are low

There are some pricey versions of the Clio, but it generally undercuts equivalent versions of the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, while costing about the same a similarly-equipped Peugeot208.

The Clio should still be worth a reasonable amount if you decide to sell it on after three years, too. And road tax and insurance bills are pretty low.

If you buy your Clio using Renault’s Selections finance scheme, you get free servicing for the first four years or 48,000 miles - whichever comes first. Even if you don’t, you can buy a four-year fixed-price service package for around £300.

Safety 9/10

Should perform very well in a crash

The Clio comes with six airbags, including two that run the length of the car at window level, and this helped it earn a five-star rating when it was crash tested by independent safety body Euro NCAP.

True, the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo scored slightly better for adult occupant protection, but the Clio had the advantage over both these rivals when assessed for child occupant and pedestrian protection.

Renault also matches Ford and Volkswagen in fitting electronic systems that enhance braking force and stability.

Standard spec 7/10

Fine if you avoid the cheapest specification

The cheapest Clio is the Expression, which comes with front electric windows, a Bluetooth hands-free phone connection and a USB socket that lets you connect your iPod to the stereo.

You do have to upgrade to the Expression+ model, though, if you want alloy wheels and air-conditioning.

The Dynamique MediaNav version of the car adds a touchscreen satnav system, a more powerful stereo and some smarter interior trim. Meanwhile, the Dynamique S MediaNav also has rear parking sensors and a climate control system that automatically maintains whatever interior temperature you set.

The GT and Renaultsport models swap these last two features for sportier looks - and in the case of the Renaultsport, a more entertaining drive - while the Renaultsport Lux model has pretty much everything as standard.